Estudio geotécnico in Estremera

In Estremera, the predominant presence of gypsum, anhydrite and salts determines a particular geotechnical environment, in which the risks associated with the dissolution of these materials in contact with groundwater stand out. This type of subsoil may undergo subsidence or collapse processes, which seriously affects the selection of the foundation type and requires detailed studies to assess bearing capacity. Extensive, highly permeable aquifers increase the likelihood of water movements that intensify these risks, whereas the shales, sandstones and limestones present in smaller proportions can only locally improve ground stability.

The municipality shows very low seismicity, with only 4 recorded events over 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 1.9, so the seismic influence on structural design is insignificant. However, the existence of karstification in the subsurface makes it necessary to carry out an exhaustive verification before defining any foundation, due to the possible presence of cavities or voids. The non-clayey subsoil removes concern about expansive soils, so attention should focus on karst behaviour and the weathering/alterability of the gypsum and salts as the main conditioning factors for the geotechnical study in Estremera.